May 2018
A new single north-bound lane on a small section of Durham Street will be open to traffic from 9 May, to make it easier for people to access the city centre’s shops.
Durham Street currently carries one-way traffic through the city centre from the north to the south.
However, as part of an upgrade of the street, aimed at making it easier for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to get around the city, a new north-bound lane has been created between Tuam and Lichfield streets.
“The new north-bound lane will enable easy access to the Retail Precinct and new car parking buildings on Lichfield Street for anyone travelling in from the west of the city, as well as access to businesses on Oxford Terrace just west of Durham Street,” says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive Albert Brantley.
Work to enhance Durham Street, from Kilmore to Tuam Streets, will be finished by the end of May.
“Around 12,000 new plants now line this stretch of road, making the city even greener” says Mr Brantley.
“A shared path for cyclists and pedestrians now runs along much of Durham Street/Cambridge Terrace. This, combined with the 30km/h slow speed environment, makes it safer and easier for people to get around the central city on all modes of transport,”
“The work required to repair and replace the essential services under the road has been complex and time consuming. Around 350 metres of new stormwater pipe and two kilometres of cabling has been laid along Durham Street.”
“We appreciate everyone’s patience during the works and encourage people to keep supporting businesses in the central city,” says Mr Brantley.
The upgrade of Durham Street is being delivered by Ōtākaro Limited on behalf of the Crown and the Christchurch City Council, as part of the An Accessible City project. The enhancement work has cost around $13m.